My coworker can't get insurance because he smokes and because years ago he had cancer in mouth. Now he has lung cancer, completely unrelated to his first bout with cancer, but related to his smoking. Despite the fact that he only has one lung he continues to smoke. Our management wants the employees to contribute time/money to a fundraiser to earn money for a surgery he needs on his remaining lung. I'm conflicted. I don't want to judge the guy, expecially because he has faced cancer twice, but it seems like a waste of time/money considering he won't stop smoking to save his own life. Is it horrible of me to not want to donate money (being a student working her way through college)? I'd still be willing to donate my time.
2007-05-31 16:45:53 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It is entirely your choice-you are not judging but choosing to utilize your money where it will do the most good-to educate yourself rather than to provide surgery for someone who isn't willing to do their part towards making it a sucess. I think it's generous that you are willing to donate your time, which must also be very scarce.
2007-05-31 16:52:52 · answer #1 · answered by barbara 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
HI. I just had to answer this question and it points out an interesting and sad real life ethical dilemma! The smoker has probably heard it all so telling him anything more would be a big mistake, he is really addicted and may soon be at the end of his time here on earth. I had a friend who just passed away this way and it was horrible. My advice is to donate a small amount explaining you are a student and leave it as that. Office politics seems to be in on this and you don't want to be the only one who didn't donate do you? I hate to say it, but it will reflect badly on you. Chalk it up to doing what you can for the cause. Generosity shows an open heart. Pay up please. :)
2007-06-01 00:02:33 · answer #2 · answered by whattheheck? 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
That is a tough ethical dilemma you're in. I'm not sure what the best thing is for you to do but I do understand the conflict. It is hard to be sympathetic in this particular situation, but the guy obviously needs a lot of help. I think it's more likely that he feels he can't quit smoking rather than that he won't quit. Or he might feel there's no use in quitting anymore.
What you decide does not make you horrible. I'm sure that you will make the decision that is right for you.
2007-05-31 23:58:35 · answer #3 · answered by Meff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Barbara. It is not being judgemental to discern how to wisely use your time and money and I understand why you would be reluctant to donate for the same reasons. You should not feel guilty - you are not obligated to donate anything and the fact that you arewilling to donate your time is commendable.
2007-05-31 23:58:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's horrible at all. As a smoker, I know the risks and make my choices. Your co-worker has done the same thing and has to face the consequences. You need your money for your own life.
2007-05-31 23:54:08 · answer #5 · answered by brownieleslie 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is entirely your choice. You cannot be forced to donate money. If somebody at your job confronts you about why you didn't donate just tell them that you are tight for money but you are willing to donate your time. Good luck!
2007-06-01 00:46:41 · answer #6 · answered by Super Wifey 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You may do whatever you want. One of my former co-workers has lung cancer & still smokes, but that's his choice!
2007-06-01 00:11:33 · answer #7 · answered by shermynewstart 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋